Tuesday, October 22

Nicola Sturgeon pulls out of Edinburgh local weather change occasion after husband Peter Murrell’s arrest in SNP finance probe

Nicola Sturgeon has pulled out of a local weather change occasion resulting from happen on Thursday as police proceed to analyze the SNP’s funding and funds.

The former first minister had been due to participate in a dialog with Mexican diplomat Patricia Espinosa, former chair of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change at Edinburgh Science Festival.

However, the Glasgow Southside MSP will as an alternative get replaced by Mairi McAllan, the cupboard secretary for internet zero and simply transition, after her husband, Peter Murrell, was arrested and later launched with out cost amid a police investigation.

Officers from Police Scotland outside the home of former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) Peter Murrell, in Uddingston, Glasgow, after he was "released without charge pending further investigation", after he was arrested on Wednesday as part of a probe into the party's finances. Picture date: Thursday April 6, 2023.
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Police Scotland officers stay at Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell’s dwelling

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Police stay exterior Nicola Sturgeon’s dwelling after husband’s arrest

A spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon stated: “In order to maintain the main focus of this occasion on the vital situation of the local weather emergency and Ambassador Patricia Espinosa’s contribution, Nicola Sturgeon has made the choice to not take part this night.

“She is grateful to the festival and Ambassador Espinosa for their understanding, and to Mairi McAllan for taking her place.”

Officers from Police Scotland outside the home of former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) Peter Murrell, in Uddingston, Glasgow, after he was "released without charge pending further investigation", after he was arrested on Wednesday as part of a probe into the party's finances. Picture date: Thursday April 6, 2023.
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Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell’s dwelling stays taped off because the police probe continues

Police Scotland and the Crown Office have been investigating the SNP’s funds.

The long-running probe is linked to the spending of round £600,000 raised by supporters to be earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning.

It is known there have been complaints the ringfenced money has been used improperly by being spent elsewhere.

Officers from Police Scotland outside the headquarters of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Edinburgh following the arrest of former chief executive Peter Murrell. Police Scotland are conducting searches at a number of properties in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the party. Picture date: Wednesday April 5, 2023.
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Officers additionally raided the SNP’s headquarters in Edinburgh

Mr Murrell was arrested by police on Wednesday as a part of the investigation. He was taken into custody to be questioned by detectives earlier than later being launched with out cost.

Following Mr Murrell’s arrest, law enforcement officials had been noticed finishing up various searches.

Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon’s dwelling in Glasgow was taped off and a police tent was erected exterior.

A small shed and storage field within the again backyard was searched whereas a police photographer took photos on the scene.

Officers had been additionally seen eradicating bins from SNP headquarters in Edinburgh.

Police had been once more stationed exterior Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell’s home on Thursday because the probe continues.

Officers from Police Scotland stand beside by police tape and a police tent outside the home of former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) Peter Murrell, in Uddingston, Glasgow, after he was arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the party. Picture date: Wednesday April 5, 2023.
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Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell’s dwelling was taped off by police

The SNP stated it has been “cooperating fully” with the investigation and would “continue to do so”.

A spokesperson for the get together added: “At its meeting on Saturday, the governing body of the SNP, the NEC, agreed to a review of governance and transparency – that will be taken forward in the coming weeks.”

Read extra:
Murrell arrested in reference to SNP funding and funds investigation
Ex-SNP chief launched as Sturgeon says she had ‘no prior information’

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A blue proof tent was arrange exterior the couple’s dwelling

Ms Sturgeon introduced her shock resignation in February after greater than eight years as first minister.

Humza Yousaf was formally sworn in as Scotland’s new chief final week.

Mr Yousaf, who can be the SNP’s chief, described the arrest as a “difficult day” for the get together.

Mr Murrell, who has been married to Ms Sturgeon in 2010, resigned as SNP chief government final month after greater than 20 years within the function. He was compelled to step down after shouldering the blame for the get together’s deceptive responses to the media over membership numbers.

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Ms Sturgeon sat down with Sky’s Beth Rigby final month

Speaking to Sky News’ Beth Rigby final month, Ms Sturgeon wouldn’t touch upon the police investigation however stated it performed no half in her choice to step down.

Content Source: information.sky.com